Blaydon Burn, industrial metropolis!

taliesin · Jan 8, 2009

Soooo! not very long ago...on a near full moon taliesin went off to look at Blaydon Burn
He packed camer and as it was dark, a torch.
He walks around the site, which could probably considered more rural than industrial these day but in its day was a brick making cente, quarry area, coal mining & had several mills along its length. All supported by its own wagonway.
I wanted to try and take night shots, with hopefully the plentiful light.

Did some of the early ones here then, making for another location....oh no I've lost the torch....drat

...oh well, I have to go back the same way so ill try and retrace my step. Did so, over about a half mile distance and at the bottom of a bank, half covered in leaves...TORCH :lol:

Now back in business, moved onto location two...a hole! At this point it turned into a mining expedition. Not very deep but interesting and odd animal bones

Then a few more of the industrial remains. Brick & stone heaven!

And home in time for coffee...and to put photos on here!!

ashless · Jan 8, 2009

Got any more pics mate? I like this "in the woods" stuff, what camera you using?

taliesin · Jan 8, 2009

Nothing too grand, a reasonably old Olympus Camedia C-2020 Z
usually very good in low light, even without a flash but most didnt come out.
I do have loads more but I'm not sure how picture heavy im allowed to make these things and remain polite

ashless · Jan 8, 2009

Tis a sturdy camera that! I'm sure a couple more won't hurt

Foxylady · Jan 8, 2009

Excellent stuff, taliesin. The night photography really works well I reckon. Interesting site too.

As for posting pics, I think it's up to the individual as to how many. But a rough guide line that some of us use is around 10 per post then put up any more on reply posts. That way it doesn't take too long to load. Hope that helps. Look forward to seeing more.

taliesin · Jan 8, 2009

Ok, some more. Pretty much in the same order of event. I'm sure theres much more potential for investigation, at least durring daylight hours. Footing, holes and some rather considerable drops can make it a bit tricky.
I'm sure some of these will show just how lucky I was with the torch.

Yes, camera work ok but I have to learn to stop breathing, as there seem to be a few too many apparitions on these photos :lol:

Foxylady · Jan 9, 2009

Cheers for posting more pics, taliesin. There's loads of different things to see...really interesting stuff.
Yes, the 'ghostie' does rather add to the 'what's that noise?' quality of the photos. :mrgreen:

Sabtr · Jan 9, 2009

Very interesting.

I had never realised that there was an old mine there - looks quite dodgy really!

I have found out that this part of the Tyne, West of Newcastle, was far more industrious in earlier times. Old ironworks etc. I even have a restored garden roller from that ironworks.

If the weather permits and you have a pair of waders you should take a looky at Walbottle culvert. It is a good "starter" culvert.

taliesin · Jan 9, 2009

This little trip was from the Southern end, starting at the old brickworks. I think it used to be called Upper Blaydon Burn and there is a culvert, yest to be investigated, under the works....another day!
There is at least one other major drift mine entrance visable in the Burn but thats about half way to Blaydon & is a impressive bricked up entrance.
I'll look into Walbottle but on the whole I try and keep my feet relatively dry

borntobemild · Jan 9, 2009

very nice - not sure i'd want to do it in the dark though

Are you sure they were animal bones

andy m · Jan 9, 2009

Very interesting. I also like how you refer to yourself in the first and third person in your reports, I've never seen that before!

BigLoada · Jan 9, 2009

Its a brill area for old industry. I am interested in that square hole, 3rd photo from the bottom. How deep is it? I want to go in it!

taliesin · Jan 9, 2009

The little hole in third from last photo, drops down into that corridor, second from bottom photo, which is open at both ends.Its on top of the section, fifth from bottom up the flight of stairs.
The whole area is open to the pub;ic, a conservation area sort of thing, so acces is no problem

First & third person??? Whats he talking about? I dont know? We just wrote what we did :lol:

taliesin · Jan 9, 2009

If anyone wanted a native...well, imported guide, I'd be happy to do the tour....night time is not compulsary

andy m · Jan 10, 2009

taliesin said:
First & third person??? Whats he talking about? I dont know? We just wrote what we did

LOL, you refer to yourself as 'Taliesin' and 'I' in the same report! Unless you are two different people?

taliesin · Jan 10, 2009

Both of us are the same person....most of the time

the|td4 · Jan 10, 2009

That picture second from the bottom reminds me of that basement / bunker / thing that there was a load of excitement over when it was initially discovered on the old hartley colliery site but turned out to be not that flash... I don't know if anyone else remebers that one but the size and the roof construction look pretty similar. Probably just a coincidence but hey this is how rumor spreads! :mrgreen:

Nice night time explore!

Sabtr · Jan 11, 2009

the|td4 said:
That picture second from the bottom reminds me of that basement / bunker / thing that there was a load of excitement over when it was initially discovered on the old hartley colliery site but turned out to be not that flash... I don't know if anyone else remebers that one but the size and the roof construction look pretty similar. Probably just a coincidence but hey this is how rumor spreads!

Nice night time explore!

I know the one you mean mate.

It's still there!